“Like all really good ideas, Anarchy is pretty simple when you get down to it — human beings are at their very best when they are living free of authority, deciding things among themselves rather than being ordered about. That’s what the word means — ‘Without Government’. A lot of the time most of us know this anyway (though there are a few oddballs in the world who actually enjoy being pushed around), but we also know just how difficult it can usually be doing anything for yourself — if you try you’re likely to break the law or contravene some regulation or other.

But throughout human history people have tried to do just that. To live freely. Sometimes on their own, sometimes in small groups, sometimes in great popular movements…”

Clifford Harper, Anarchy: A Graphic Guide

For more general information, see the anarchistfaq.